A saddened Andrew McQualter admits Reuben Ginbey’s quad setback “didn’t look good” as the coach prepares for his first look at life without arguably his most important player.

Ginbey suffered what appeared to be a significant quad injury during the third term of Saturday night’s loss to Port Adelaide.

The 21-year-old was in pain as he fell to the turf clutching his left leg while racing to try and prevent a Mitch Georgiades goal. He punched the turf, limped straight to the bench, and went immediately down to the rooms while being consoled by teammates.

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Ginbey is the sole Eagle to have featured in every game of McQualter’s 35-match stint as West Coast coach, and now leaves a gaping hole in the team’s defence amid form that had mentioned in All-Australian discussions.

“It made me a little bit sad, as I imagine it did for all of our Eagles supporters,” McQualter said after Saturday night’s game.

“But we don’t know (how severe it is). We’ll go away, we’ll do all the tests required, and see what happens.”

Having re-signed on a three-year deal during the week, Ginbey has reeled off 59 consecutive matches and has not missed a game since his debut campaign in 2023.

McQualter backed the defensive tyro to attack whatever rehabilitation was needed and return bigger and better.

“Reubs is OK. He’s fine. He’s a warrior,” McQualter said.

“Whatever it is, he’ll work hard – that’s what he does. It’s in his DNA.

“He’ll be bigger and stronger, and we’ll be OK.”

The Eagles remain in WA for an Optus Stadium clash against North Melbourne next week before their mid-season bye.

McQualter said it would be a “bit of a challenge” to reshuffle defensively minus Ginbey and fellow key back Harry Edwards, who remains sidelined with concussion issues.

The coach said he would look at all options, including Brandon Starcevich playing taller after the ex-Brisbane defender made his belated Eagles debut against the Power.

Ginbey had played a starring role up until his injury, limiting the impact of Georgiades to a solitary behind and taking a string of intercept marks.